I thought it best to start a new thread specific to discussing how Tennessee's Department of Revenue is dealing with the state rebate. According to the State of TN's Dept of Revenue website, the EV Purchase Rebate is official. Now, for the details: I, starting from zero knowledge, called the Dept of Revenue's main number, 615-253-0600 to enquire about how the program works. I figured that like anything with a government involved, there would be a form to fill out. After several people, I spoke to a person who advised me to call 888-998-2546 "as they will know something about this". The Dept of Revenue person confessed that she had heard about the program but did not have any other information and neither did she know of any "form" to fill out -- which seems strange since anytime a government body is going to hand out money they always have at least one form to fill out and sign.
888-998-2546 turned out to be the Blink Help Line. I spoke with a very helpful and gracious lady, Dianna, who established a conference call with the Nissan Leaf folks. Stephen, Dianna and I discussed the situation. Nissan's answer was that they did not have much information about local tax issues, which I expected, since they can't be in the business of giving out state specific advice. Dianna at Blink went through various web sites, including this one, and advised that as far as she could ascertain, the $2,500 was an actual deduction from the MSRP of the Leaf and would be subtracted at the sale of the vehicle.
I told them that the Pro Forma invoice tendered by Nissan of Cool Springs had no mention of the $2,500 subtraction from the MSRP. One of our regulars here on this forum advised that "the dealer was being a dealer", and I certainly agree. They can't be expected to stay in business and offer up cuts from their sales without customer negotiation and demand.
After a very agreeable conversation with Dianna and Stephen I advised that my next step would be back to Nissan of Cool Springs for further negotiating. My expectation is that they will subtract the $2,500 rebate directly from the MSRP in accordance with both the State of TN program and Nissan's HQ guidance to them. I will post again after the next step.
I am curious as to how others in Tennessee have encountered this rebate situation and your response would be helpful to the novice Leaf buyer.
Regards,
Dave
888-998-2546 turned out to be the Blink Help Line. I spoke with a very helpful and gracious lady, Dianna, who established a conference call with the Nissan Leaf folks. Stephen, Dianna and I discussed the situation. Nissan's answer was that they did not have much information about local tax issues, which I expected, since they can't be in the business of giving out state specific advice. Dianna at Blink went through various web sites, including this one, and advised that as far as she could ascertain, the $2,500 was an actual deduction from the MSRP of the Leaf and would be subtracted at the sale of the vehicle.
I told them that the Pro Forma invoice tendered by Nissan of Cool Springs had no mention of the $2,500 subtraction from the MSRP. One of our regulars here on this forum advised that "the dealer was being a dealer", and I certainly agree. They can't be expected to stay in business and offer up cuts from their sales without customer negotiation and demand.
After a very agreeable conversation with Dianna and Stephen I advised that my next step would be back to Nissan of Cool Springs for further negotiating. My expectation is that they will subtract the $2,500 rebate directly from the MSRP in accordance with both the State of TN program and Nissan's HQ guidance to them. I will post again after the next step.
I am curious as to how others in Tennessee have encountered this rebate situation and your response would be helpful to the novice Leaf buyer.
Regards,
Dave